Smokers urged to try to quit for Stoptober

The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust and Devon County Council are urging smokers to try to give up the habit by taking on the national Stoptober challenge.

Stoptober, run by Public Health England, aims to encourage as many smokers as possible to attempt to give up the habit for 28 days through October.

The Trust is supporting people to quit through its weekly stop smoking clinics across the county, led by specialist advisers in its Health Promotion Devon team.

The advisers form part of the Devon Stop Smoking Service, which is based at the Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health in Cullompton and is supported by chemists, GPs and dental practices.

Around eight million people in England smoke and it remains the nation’s biggest killer, with half of long-term smokers dying prematurely from a smoking-related disease.

Research shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to give up for good.

Greg Price, manager of the Devon Stop Smoking Service, said: “Stoptober provides those thinking about quitting with the perfect opportunity to give it a go.

“We have a proven track record of helping the most addicted smokers break free of their habit, so get in touch with us and make October a smokefree month.”

This year’s Stoptober campaign is being backed by some of the country’s top comedians, including Paddy McGuinness and Al Murray.

Devon’s director of public health, Dr Virginia Pearson, said: “Giving up smoking is one of the biggest improvements anyone can make to their health, and stopping smoking for 28 days means you’re five times more likely to stop for good.

“This is the third year of the Stoptober campaign, which has become firmly established in people’s minds.

“Taking a different approach by using comedy to get some serious messages across should appeal to a new audience, and there is, as always, plenty of support to help people get through Stoptober and stay smokefree.”

The Trust’s stop smoking clinics offer free advice and support in 20 or 60-minute appointments and take place at a variety of venues, including hospitals, medical centres and village halls.

The Trust’s success rates are among the best in the country, with over three-quarters of those stopping not lighting up within four weeks.

The clinics are not ‘drop-in’ sessions and anyone interested in attending must book in advance by calling 01884 836024.

Click here to see a full list of clinics.